Prince Harry: I killed Taliban insurgents as a helicopter gunner in Afghanistan

Prince Harry has confirmed he killed Taliban insurgents in his 20-week deployment to Afghanistan as a helicopter co-pilot gunner, in comments made during a series of wide-ranging interviews that can only be reported now after a media blackout was lifted.

The 28-year-old, who is returning to Britain after the end of his second tour of duty, said he had taken militants ‘out of the game’.

For the past five months he has been the gunner in an Apache attack helicopter, armed with rockets, missiles and a 30mm cannon, carrying out scores of missions.

When asked whether he had killed anyone in restive Helmand province, where he has been based, the prince replied: ‘Yeah, so lots of people have. The squadron’s been out here. Everyone’s fired a certain amount.’

Prince Harry, known as Captain Wales in the army, served his first tour in 2007-08, but it was cut short due to a media blackout being broken by a website in Australia.

Composite of file photos dated 29/7/1993 (left) of Prince Harry wearing a helmet during a visit to the barracks of the Light Dragoons in Hanover, Germany, and 02/11/2012 wearing his monocle gun sight as he sits in the front seat of his cockpit whilst serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner

Composite of file photos dated 29/7/1993 (left) of Prince Harry wearing a helmet during a visit to the barracks of the Light Dragoons in Hanover, Germany, and 02/11/2012 wearing his monocle gun sight as he sits in the front seat of his cockpit whilst serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner

Composite of file photos dated 29/7/1993 (left) of Prince Harry wearing a helmet during a visit to the barracks of the Light Dragoons in Hanover, Germany, and 02/11/2012 wearing his monocle gun sight as he sits in the front seat of his cockpit whilst serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. Martin Keene/John Stillwell/PA Wire

Composite of file photos dated 02/01/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 03/11/2012 racing out from the VHR (very high ready-ness) tent to scramble his Apache with fellow pilots, during a 12 hour shift at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern

Composite of file photos dated 02/01/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 03/11/2012 racing out from the VHR (very high ready-ness) tent to scramble his Apache with fellow pilots, during a 12 hour shift at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern

Composite of file photos dated 02/01/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 03/11/2012 racing out from the VHR (very high ready-ness) tent to scramble his Apache with fellow pilots, during a 12 hour shift at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

Composite of file photos dated 20/02/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 02/11/2012 giving a TV interview by his helicopter at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan,

Composite of file photos dated 20/02/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 02/11/2012 giving a TV interview by his helicopter at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan,

Composite of file photos dated 20/02/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 02/11/2012 giving a TV interview by his helicopter at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

Composite of file photos dated 02/01/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 31/10/2012 at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September

Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 31/10/2012 at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September

Composite of file photos dated 02/01/08 (left) of Prince Harry in Helmand province during his first tour of Afghanistan and 31/10/2012 at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991869.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, drawing the shift brew person (who makes the tea all day) during his 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991810.jpg

SOME PARTS OF THIS PICTURE HAVE BEEN DIGITALLY CHANGED FOR SECURITY REASONS. Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, making his early morning pre-flight checks on the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991816.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 31/10/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, sitting in his cockpit as he prepares for a mission, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991837.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, cleaning the Kitchen work-top during his 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991810.jpg

SOME PARTS OF THIS PICTURE HAVE BEEN DIGITALLY CHANGED FOR SECURITY REASONS. Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, making his early morning pre-flight checks on the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991816.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 31/10/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, sitting in his cockpit as he prepares for a mission, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991837.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, cleaning the Kitchen work-top during his 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101991869.jpg

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, drawing the shift brew person (who makes the tea all day) during his 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 22, 2013. See PA story DEFENCE Harry. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prince Harry

Prince Harry: I can't wait to be an uncle (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry: I can't wait to be an uncle (Picture: PA)

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 01/11/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, walks to his Helicopter with his fellow Pilot at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 02/11/2012 of HRH Prince Harry (right) or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, relaxes with fellow Pilots in their VHR (very high ready-ness) at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prince Harry

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 01/11/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army,places his crash helmet at the side of the cockpit before flying at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prince Harry

Prince Harry (right) has spent the last 20 weeks in Afghanistan (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry (right) has spent the last 20 weeks in Afghanistan (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry

Prince Harry claims to be a Fifa pro (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry claims to be a Fifa pro (Picture: PA)

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of HRH Prince Harry (centre) or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, relaxes with after scoring a goal during computer football game with his fellow Apache Helicopter Pilot Capt Simon Beattie (left), during their 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

Prince Harry

Prince Harry playing video games in Afghanistan (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry playing video games in Afghanistan (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry

Prince Harry in an Apache attack helicopter (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry in an Apache attack helicopter (Picture: PA)

Prince Harry

In his sights: Prince Harry in his Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion (Picture: PA)

In his sights: Prince Harry in his Apache helicopter at Camp Bastion (Picture: PA)

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales (Picture: PA)

Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, wears a Santa hat at the VHR (very high readiness) tent close to the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, makes his early morning pre-flight checks in the cockpit on the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

AY_101954254.jpg

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 03/11/2012 of HRH Prince Harry (centre) or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, relaxes with after scoring a goal during computer football game with his fellow Apache Helicopter Pilot Capt Simon Beattie (left), during their 12 hour VHR (very high ready-ness) shift at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, shows a TV crew his sleeping area and bed at the VHR (very high readiness) tent close to the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

The actions of Prince Harry, seen here at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, have been praised (Picture: PA)

The actions of Prince Harry, seen here at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, have been praised (Picture: PA)

AY_101954742.jpg

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 12/12/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army,wears his Monocle gunsight, as he makes his early morning pre-flight checks on the flight-line, at Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 31/10/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, sits in the front seat of his cockpit where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013.John Stillwell/PA Wire

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales

Previously unissued picture dated 31/10/2012 of HRH Prince Harry or just plain Captain Wales as he is known in the British Army, at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion southern Afghanistan, where he is serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner with 662 Sqd Army Air Corps, from September 2012 for four months until January 2013. John Stillwell/PA Wire

Then he was calling in air strikes on enemy positions, but in the most recent tour he was taking lives directly.

‘Take a life to save a life. That’s what we revolve around, I suppose,’ the prince, who flies with 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, said.

‘If there’s people trying to do bad stuff to our guys, then we’ll take them out of the game, I suppose.’

This time around there was no media blackout imposed on the fact he was in Afghanistan, and Captain Wales confirmed he worked, rested, ate and slept in exactly the same conditions as his colleagues.